Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital discovered that engineered platelets can inhibit inflammation and immune responses. The study found that these modified platelets were cleared by the liver and triggered an immunosuppressive response in mice.
A study found ChatGPT answered less than half of the test questions correctly, scoring 46% initially and 56% after a month. The AI tool performed well on general medicine questions but struggled with ophthalmology subspecialties.
A new study from St. Michael's Hospital found that a low-carb vegan diet has the same health effects as a vegetarian diet, but at a much lower cost to the environment. The researchers also discovered that the lower carbon emission value of the vegan diet was associated with a larger reduction in blood cholesterol.
A new study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research found that cannabis users are 22% more likely to visit the emergency department or be hospitalized compared to non-users. Serious physical injury and respiratory-reasons were the leading causes of ED visits and hospitalizations among cannabis users.
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.
A study of nearly 9,000 children found that those on a vegetarian diet had similar measures of growth and nutrition compared to those who eat meat. Children with a vegetarian diet also had higher odds of underweight weight status.
A study of 237 clinical practice guidelines found that only 7% of panel members were racialized women, while white men made up 46%. This lack of diversity may lead to biased recommendations and exacerbate existing health inequities. The authors call for greater transparency in panel recruitment processes and fair representation.
A study of over 200,500 women found an increased risk of death in younger pre-menopausal women when ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed during surgery. In contrast, the procedure is safer for older post-menopausal women, whose ovaries have already stopped producing estrogen.
A study analyzing nearly 40 million referrals found male physicians disproportionately refer patients to male surgeons over female surgeons, despite similar qualifications. The findings suggest male biases disadvantage female surgeons, further exacerbating the pay gap in medicine.
A recent study found nearly three-quarters of pregnant individuals reported moderate to high levels of distress and one in five experienced depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The top concerns among expectant parents included hospital policies, introducing their baby to loved ones, and conflicting medical information.
A new study found that clinical trials often neglect to report sociodemographic characteristics like income, literacy, and education level, limiting their applicability. The study analyzed 10% of randomized clinical trials published between 2014 and 2020, revealing that only 14.3% reported education level or literacy.
A two-year study found that providing patients with free access to essential medicines increases adherence by 35% and reduces total health spending by an average of over $1,000 per patient per year. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, tested the effects of free medication on a selected set of medications.
A minimally invasive retinal reattachment procedure using pneumatic retinopexy leads to better long-term integrity of photoreceptors compared to more invasive procedures. This technique achieves superior visual outcomes by allowing the retina to reattach naturally and minimize damage to critical cells.
A new study found that only 56% of Ontario high schools offer CPR training to students, despite being mandated by the province. Common barriers include lack of funding and time, highlighting the need for additional strategies to ensure successful implementation.
A study found that a traffic light system reduced clinical uncertainty by 70% and improved treatment decisions for doctors. The system, which uses green, yellow, and red lights to indicate risk levels, was shown to decrease pupil dilation and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found a significant association between cannabinoids and negative respiratory health effects in older adults with COPD. The study, published in Thorax, showed that higher doses of cannabinoids were linked to increased hospitalizations and all-cause death among patients with the disease.
A clinical trial is set to examine whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) using the existing HIV medication Kaletra can halt or slow the spread of COVID-19. Researchers will track participants exposed to confirmed cases, administering the medication for 14 days, the estimated incubation period for COVID-19.
Researchers found that osimertinib, commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, showed benefits for patients with metastatic brain cancers, with 64% experiencing a measurable response and 90% disease control in the central nervous system.
People living with HIV in Ontario have a 34% higher incidence rate of COPD, diagnosed at 50 years old vs. 62 for HIV-negative individuals, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital researchers. The study also found that women with HIV have a 54% higher risk of COPD.
Female and male soccer players had similar rates of head collision events during elite tournaments, but female players received more medical assessments. The median time for medical assessments was shorter for female players compared to the minimum required duration.
Patients and caregivers consistently identified insufficient publicly funded home care services as the biggest challenge to overcome after hospital release. The research highlights the need for improved home care supports, including timely intervention and discharge planning.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that children who consumed whole milk had a 40% lower odds of being overweight or obese compared to those who drank reduced-fat milk. This challenges current guidelines recommending reduced-fat cow milk for children.
A new decision aid tool has been shown to reduce the time patients spend speaking with genetic counselors while increasing their knowledge of the benefits of genomic sequencing. The study found that patients who used the Genomics ADvISER needed to spend 24 minutes less speaking with a counselor than those who did not access the tool.
A new study led by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that different types of sugars showed varying associations with cardiovascular disease. Higher intake of total or fructose-containing sugars was linked to increased death from cardiovascular disease, while higher sucrose intake was associated with decreased mortality.
Patients with active cannabis dependence and abuse are at nearly twice the risk of suffering a heart attack after surgery, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital. Researchers analyzed records of over 4 million adults from 2006-2015 and found a significant increase in cannabis use disorders among surgical patients.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that living in less walkable neighborhoods is associated with a higher predicted 10-year cardiovascular risk, up to 33% higher than in the most walkable areas. Individuals in these neighborhoods also experience higher blood pressure and increased odds of prior diabetes diagnosis.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital uncover the molecular process behind protein mutations that cause inflammatory bowel diseases, identifying palmitoylation as key to altering NOD 1 and 2 function. The findings hold promise for potential treatments of inflammatory disorders.
A two-year study found a rapid increase in naloxone distribution in Ontario pharmacies after kits became available for free. Over 68,000 people received naloxone kits during this period, with a significant increase in dispensing from 1.9 to 54.3 kits per 100,000 residents.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that outdoor activities were more clinically effective than anti-psychotic medication for treating physical aggression in patients with dementia. Massage and touch therapy were also more efficacious than usual care or caregiver support for patients with physical agitation.
A new study found that 40% of people in Ontario's prison system were seen by a family doctor after release, compared to 85% of the general population. This disparity suggests that prisoners face significant barriers to accessing primary care upon release.
A new study found that distributing essential medicines at no charge resulted in a 44% increase in adherence to medications. The study also discovered improvements in systolic blood pressure and the likelihood of participants meeting their financial needs.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found female surgeons performed fewer high-paying procedures and earned 24% less per hour, challenging the notion that a fee-for-service system closes the earnings gap between men and women.
A study found that older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are twice as likely to use prescription synthetic oral cannabinoids compared to those without COPD. This raises concerns about the potential dangers associated with this medication class, particularly in subgroups at heightened risk for adverse events.
Researchers found that anti-VEGF drugs ranibizumab and aflibercept are excreted into breast milk within days of injection, potentially suppressing VEGF levels in infants. The study provides valuable information for ophthalmologists counseling pregnant or nursing patients with retinal diseases.
A new study suggests that a diabetes medication called empagliflozin can protect against heart disease by regulating circulating progenitor cells and reducing inflammation. The findings from the EMPA-HEART CardioLink-6 Trial may provide the basis for new therapies for patients with heart disease complicated by diabetes.
A novel quality improvement toolkit, IRON MOM, has shown to enhance early detection and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital. The implementation resulted in a nearly 10 times increase in ferritin testing rates and a significant decrease in anemia risk.
A new paper highlights individual and systemic challenges faced by early-career female family physicians, including implicit bias, burnout, and unequal pay. The authors call for practical strategies such as training, flexible scheduling, and comprehensive leave policies to support female physicians and promote gender equity.
Researchers found that inhibiting ID1 slows tumour progression in glioblastoma, breast and melanoma. Targeting the protein with medication may present a promising strategy for patients.
A study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that living in walkable neighborhoods can have diminishing health benefits due to increased exposure to traffic-related air pollution. The research, based on nearly 2.5 million adults from Ontario municipalities, challenges the idea that walkability always improves overall health and well-being.
A review of the 2016 UEFA European Championship found an average of at least 1 potential concussive event per game, with nearly 75% of incidents not resulting in a medical assessment. The study's findings highlight the need for proper concussion protocols to be implemented in elite soccer.
A meta-analysis of 46 trials found soy protein reduces LDL cholesterol, supporting its inclusion as a heart-healthy food option. Researchers hope their findings inform the FDA's evaluation of soy protein.
A meta-analysis found that liquid meal replacements led to an average of five pounds more weight loss compared to conventional low-calorie diets. Additionally, these liquid meal replacements contributed to better reductions in body mass index and systolic blood pressure.
A review of 70 English-language osteoporosis guidelines worldwide found that less than 40% included patients' beliefs, values or preferences (BVPs). Guidelines from top countries like Australia, Canada, and the US often prioritized pharmaceutical company agendas over patient experiences.
A new study published in The Lancet found that most deaths among children aged 5-14 in these countries are caused by preventable or treatable conditions. The researchers called for a broader set of interventions to reduce deaths, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new electronic decision support tool has shown promise in improving asthma care, with a 45% increase in patients receiving asthma action plans and a 59% increase in asthma control assessments. The system uses data from patient questionnaires to provide personalized recommendations for clinicians.
A study at St. Michael's Hospital found that transgender patients have lower odds of being screened for certain types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Transgender patients had a 70% lower odds of being screened for breast cancer, with similar disparities seen in cervical and colorectal cancer screening.
A new study published in Sleep found a 250% increase in Americans taking opioids with benzodiazepines or Z-drugs between 1999 and 2014. This alarming trend is associated with increased risks of serious adverse outcomes, including breathing problems and death.
A study published in Nutrition and Diabetes found that four dried fruits - dates, apricots, raisins, and sultanas - have a lower glycemic index than white bread. The results suggest that dried fruits can be used as a low glycemic index food source to replace higher glycemic index foods.
A new study found that nearly all hospital patients experience disturbances in at least one category during their stay, with a significant impact on outcomes. The researchers suggest that simple interventions can improve patient care and reduce readmissions.
A clinical trial found that a minimally invasive treatment for retinal detachment resulted in better visual acuity and reduced visual distortion compared to traditional surgery. The procedure, called pneumatic retinopexy (PnR), also showed significant cost benefits for healthcare systems.